Farrah Fawcett's iconic red swimsuit donated to Smithsonian

By
Liz Kelly

Children of the 1970s will remember this poster. A carefree Farrah Fawcett -- all limbs and tan and bouncy bountiful hair -- flashing her million dollar smile at the camera. The poster was a staple on walls everywhere from my brother's room to mechanics' garages.

As of Wednesday, on what would have been her 64th birthday, the poster -- along with the original red one-piece Fawcett wore -- are part of the Smithsonian National Museum of American History's collection. According to Smithsonian curator David Bowers, the poster remains the best-selling poster of all time (though this one might beg to differ).

"They asked her years ago for the bathing suit," said longtime companion Ryan O'Neal, pictured above waving goodbye to the swimsuit. "So it was always in her plan."

Also on hand in D.C. for the Wednesday donation ceremony, Fawcett's son with O'Neal, Redmond, and O'Neal's daughter, Tatum.